For most people, our experts think you should just buy the BenQ PD3220U 32-inch 4K monitor. It provides excellent image quality and the right ports you need to plug in. However, we’ve selected numerous additional picks to cover a range of uses. This list targets the MacBook Pro specifically and, as such, most monitors we recommend have Thunderbolt or USB-C connectivity (if you have a newer Macbook, it’ll be USB-C, a small connector with rounded edges, and if your Macbook is older, you may have the more rectangular Thunderbolt connector). This monitor is designed for professional use and, as a result, has excellent color performance. Color is accurate out of the box and wide color gamuts, such as DCI-P3, are supported. This provides a vibrant, colorful image that’s always attractive. It’s a 4K monitor, as well, so images and videos look crisp. Build quality is excellent. The monitor has a sturdy height-adjustable stand and slim display bezels. It supports Thunderbolt/USB-C and can charge a connected MacBook Pro. BenQ includes a unique puck controller that can be used to adjust settings. It’s useful, but the wide variety of available display options can still be overwhelming. The BenQ PD3220U is expensive, but worth the investment. The monitor’s excellent image quality, simple connectivity, and attractive design make it a great match for a MacBook Pro. Size: 32-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 The PA247VC’s out-of-box color accuracy is on par with monitors several times its price. The monitor also has a good contrast ratio. It provides a realistic image that’s ideal for editing photos. The monitor has a solid, height-adjustable stand. It supports USB-C with power delivery, so it can charge a connected MacBook Pro. Power delivery is limited to 65 watts, however, which isn’t enough for the most powerful MacBook Pro models. The Asus ProArt PA247VC does have downsides. It’s only a 1080p monitor, so its image does not look sharp. It also lacks support for wide color gamuts required by some professionals. Still, it’s an outstanding monitor for the price. Size: 24-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | Refresh Rate: 75Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C Image quality is surprisingly excellent. 4K resolution provides excellent sharpness, of course, but the monitor is also bright, has accurate color, and a solid contrast ratio. It delivers a realistic, dynamic image that’s impressive in a variety of tasks. More expensive monitors are slightly better, but the Dell S2721QS performs so well most people will have no reason to spend more. It’s not a perfect MacBook Pro monitor, however. It lacks Thunderbolt or USB-C support. You will need to use HDMI or a Thunderbolt dock, and it can’t charge a MacBook Pro. The monitor’s color is accurate, but it doesn’t support wide color gamuts required by professionals. These are minor downsides, however, and most applicable to shoppers with specific needs. The Dell S2721QS is all the monitor most MacBook Pro owners will ever need. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort It also provides excellent color accuracy, a good contrast ratio, and support for wide color gamuts required by professionals. The monitor has decent HDR support, too. It includes USB-C for one-cable connectivity with a MacBook Pro. It provides up to 85 watts of power delivery, which isn’t enough to charge the most powerful MacBook Pro models. MacOS support for ultrawide monitors can be spotty. The LG 34BK95U-W’s resolution is supported by modern Macs, but you may notice some apps do a poor job of using the additional space. We recommend you research how your favorite Mac apps work with an ultrawide monitor before buying. If you decide an ultrawide is for you, however, the LG 34BK95U-W is easily the best to pair with a MacBook Pro. Size: 34-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 5120 x 2160 (5K) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 21:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C The monitor has excellent image quality and a crisp 4K image. Its high refresh rate and great motion clarity make detail more visible in fast-paced games and offer a competitive advantage. It also has a realistic, vibrant image with a good sense of depth. This monitor does not support Thunderbolt or USB-C, so you will need to connect over HDMI or use a Thunderbolt dock. It’s also not especially attractive, which will disappoint MacBook Pro owners who care about aesthetics. Still, the Acer Nitro XV282KV is a great choice for gaming. It’s fast, sharp, and less expensive than most HDMI 2.1 gaming monitors. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) | Refresh Rate: 170Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort The monitor is designed to work well with a MacBook Pro. In fact, you’ll need a Mac to make full use of its feature set. Windows’ interface scaling is not ideal for 6K resolution, and Windows’ HDR support is so-so. The Pro Display XDR includes Thunderbolt 3 and can charge all MacBook Pro models currently sold. Build quality is excellent, but the monitor does not come with a stand. Apple sells a matching stand separately for $999 — more than the retail price of most monitors on this list. The Pro Display XDR’s full price with a stand is at least $5,999, or $6,999 if you choose nano-textured glass. Size: 32-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching with Mini-LED | Resolution: 6016 x 3384 (6K) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: Thunderbolt 3, USB-C Image quality is solid. The monitor has great color accuracy and 1440p resolution which, although not as sharp as 4K, is sharp enough to look great in most situations. It lacks support for wide color gamuts required by some professionals, however. The VG2755-2K is not an attractive monitor, but it is durable. It has a height adjustable stand and solid construction. The stand includes a handle, which is convenient when you need to move the monitor. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (1440p) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C Up to 90 watts of power delivery is also included, so the U2722DE can charge most MacBook Pro models attached to it — though high-end MacBook Pro 15 and 16 models will need more juice. It’s otherwise a good, if not excellent, monitor. The monitor has accurate color, a good contrast ratio, and supports the wide color gamuts professionals need. It has a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1440, however, which is not as crisp as 4K alternatives. The monitor’s maximum brightness is modest, as well, though still enough for most people. Size: 27-inch | Panel Type: In-Plane Switching | Resolution: 2560 x 1440 (1440p) | Refresh Rate: 60Hz | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Video Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
Thunderbolt/USB-C
All MacBook Pro models sold since 2016 have relied on Thunderbolt/USB-C ports. A monitor with Thunderbolt or USB-C can accept video output from the MacBook Pro and, if the monitor supports a feature called Power Delivery, can also charge the MacBook Pro. This removes cable clutter from your desk.
USB-C Hub
Monitors that have a Thunderbolt or USB-C port may have additional USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, and video ports. This turns the monitor into a USB hub when the MacBook Pro is connected to the monitor over Thunderbolt/USB-C. Monitors with this feature can expand your MacBook Pro’s connectivity and reduce cable clutter.
Wide Color Gamut
A color gamut, also called a color space, describes a range of color used by media. Most content viewed on a modern Mac is designed for a color gamut called sRGB, but other color gamuts exist, and many include additional colors. The DCI-P3 color gamut is one example. Professionals often require monitors that have a wide color gamut, as they’re capable of displaying colors that aren’t visible on a monitor designed for sRGB. Everyday consumers shouldn’t worry about this feature, however, as the sRGB color gamut is more than adequate for day-to-day use.
About Our Trusted Experts
Matthew S. Smith is a veteran technology journalist, product reviewer, and influencer with fourteen years of experience. He has reviewed or tested over 650 computer monitors and laptop displays in the past decade. In addition to Lifewire, you can find his work on PC World, Wired, Insider, IEEE Spectrum, IGN, Digital Trends, and a dozen other publications.
